The Ondo State government has warned the people of Ijare that nobody should parade himself as a King in the town.
The government insisted that Ijare remains without a duly recognised Oba and, therefore, no individual possesses the legal or traditional mandate to exercise authority or preside over the affairs of the town in any capacity.
The Chairman of Ifedore Local Government, Hon Dipo Ajibola, who spoke on behalf of the government during a Stakeholders meeting held in his office at Igbara-Oke, with leaders and Kingmakers of Ijare.
In an assertive and unambiguous communiqué, the government issued a firm warning to stakeholders within Ijare community amidst rising tension occasioned by purported installation of a monarch without government’s approval.
This directive, delivered at a high-level stakeholders forum convened to address escalating tensions, was witnessed by prominent figures, including self-acclaimed monarch, Prince Adekolajo Aladeseyi, whose was purportedly installed as Olujare without a statutory council of kingmakers’ election nor approved by the state and local government authorities, thereby rendering the act illegitimate.
Also present at the meeting were the kingmakers led by High Chief Sapetu Olaniran, and representatives of the ruling house, headed by Prince Aliu Jimoh, alongside other critical community actors.
The government underscored the imperative of preserving peace within Ijare, declaring it non-negotiable and inviolable. It reaffirmed its constitutional obligation to uphold public order and social cohesion, cautioning that any attempt to incite violence or undermine stability would trigger the full force of legal reprisal.
Of particular concern was the potential manipulation of local youths, an act the Council Chairman warned could lead to dire consequences for any instigator.
“It must be clearly understood that the Ondo State Government will not tolerate any form of insubordination or incitement. Any individual—be the contestant or chief—found fomenting unrest shall be held personally accountable,” the Chairman warned.
“This pronouncement serves as both a deterrent and a resolute reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to due process in chieftaincy succession and the enduring peace of Ijare.
“Until court proceedings are concluded and a legitimate Oba is lawfully installed through recognised channels, all parties are implored to exercise utmost restraint and safeguard the integrity of their collective heritage.”
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